Both men couldn’t fail to feel nerves. But viewers saw two capable, devoted public servants arguing it out on the big issues that matter. It was magnificent.

The pundits were quick to give the first debate to Darling, yet the polling for Yes improved.

Last night, the debate was a clear win for Salmond. The ICM poll by the Guardian had 71 per cent judging a Salmond victory compared with 29 per cent for Darling. What will it mean for the vote? Only time will tell.

The First Minister was at his clever, impassioned best.

He had vision where Darling only offered fear, uncertainty and doubt and was generous enough to offer Alistair a job in the Team Scotland negotiating team if he wins. I’d love to see him take up that offer. Darling’s arguments sounded tired and repetitive. The people are bored with the currency debate and realise every other country makes it work.

There is growing weariness of the unrelenting and occasionally bizarre negativism of the No side. Project Fear hasn’t tried to make a positive case and its negativism feels like a hollow echo just at the crucial moment.

The normally polished and confident Darling was also very uncomfortable when challenged on what extra powers Scotland could expect if we vote No.

Worse was his mood when made to defend the Tory policies we know in his heart he hates.

What hurts for him is that the logic of his case is that a Tory government are a price worth paying for the Union.